Software
Software which consists of instructions are the ingredients that enable a computer to perform specific tasks. A set of instructions that drive a computer to perform specific tasks is called a program. These instructions tell the computer’s physical components what to do and without the instructions, a computer cannot do anything at all. When a computer uses a particular program, it is said to be running or executing that program. Although the array of available programs is vast and varied, most software falls into two major categories: System software and Application software.System Software
System software is any program that controls the computer’s hardware or that can be used to maintain the computer in some way so that it runs more efficiently. There are 3 types of system software
An Operating System tells the computer how to use its own components. Examples of operating systems include Windows, Macintosh Operating System and Linux. An operating system is essential for any computer, because it acts as an interpreter between the hardware, application programs and the user. When a program wants the hardware to do something it communicates through the operating system. Similarly when you want the hardware to do something such as copying or printing a file, your request is handled by the operating system.
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| Windows 7 ultimate operating system |
A Network Operating System allows computers to communicate and share data across a network while controlling network operations and overseeing the network’s security.
A utility is a program that makes the computer system easier to use or perform highly specialized functions. Utilities are used to manage disks, troubleshoot hardware problems and perform other tasks that the operating system itself may not be able to do.
Application Software
An application software tells the computer how to accomplish specific tasks such as word processing or drawing for the user. Thousands of applications are available for many purposes. Some of the major categories of these applications include.
Word processing for creating text-based documents such as newsletter or brochures. Spreadsheets for creating numeric based documents such as budgets or balance sheets. Database management software for building and manipulating large sets of data, such as the names, addresses and phone numbers in a phone directory.
Presentation programs for creating and presenting electronic slide shows. Graphics programs for designing illustrations and manipulating photograph, movie or animation. Multimedia authoring applications for building digital movies that incorporate sound, video, animation and interactive features. Entertainment and education software, many of which are interactive multimedia events.
Web design tools and Web browser and other internet applications such as newsreaders and e-mail programs. Games, some of which are for single player and many of which can be played by several people over a network or the internet.